The Joker tops supervillain poll

Heath Ledger played The Joker in the forthcoming Batman film The Dark Knight

The Joker has been named as the greatest supervillain of all time.

Batman’s psychotic nemesis – best known for his albino-like complexion, rictus grin and evil brilliance – was deemed the worst of all the bad boys, beating Spiderman enemy The Green Goblin and Superman nemesis Lex Luthor.

The criminal mastermind was created by DC Comics in the 1940s and went on to appear in TV series Batman And Robin two decades later.

But it was Jack Nicholson’s gruesome portrayal of The Joker in Tim Burton’s 1989 film Batman which cemented his infamy.

He is due for another cinematic outing next month, with the release of Batman Begins sequel The Dark Knight.

He will be portrayed by actor Heath Ledger, who died shortly after filming.

The survey was commissioned by Arndale Manchester Shopping Centre for its promotion of new superhero film The Incredible Hulk starring Edward Norton.